'It's a Circus': Family Caregivers' Perceptions on Accessing Mental Health Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
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| Title: | 'It's a Circus': Family Caregivers' Perceptions on Accessing Mental Health Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Heather H. Kelley, Abby Julian, Lindy Strand, Ty B. Aller |
| Source: | Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2025 18(3):323-337. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Administration for Community Living (ACL) (DHHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (DHHS/PHS) |
| Contract Number: | HHS2021ACLAODDDTI0095 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disabilities, Family Attitudes, Caregiver Attitudes, Access to Health Care, Mental Health, Barriers, Adults, Resources, Training, Knowledge Level, Health Insurance, Interpersonal Communication, Family Needs, Costs |
| DOI: | 10.1080/19315864.2024.2424759 |
| ISSN: | 1931-5864 1931-5872 |
| Abstract: | Background: Previous research has demonstrated that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience a variety of barriers in accessing mental health care and that family caregivers often play an integral role in helping individuals with IDD navigate these systems. However, little research has focused on family caregivers' perceptions of accessing mental health services. Methods: To better understand their perspectives, we analyzed responses to an open-ended question about challenges to accessing mental health resources for adults with IDD from 208 family caregivers. Responses were analyzed using a team-based approach to qualitative data analysis. Results: We identified five themes that capture both systematic issues and personal or interpersonal challenges that reduce access to high quality mental health care among adults with IDD. In addition to the barriers, we also identified some accounts of families succeeding in accessing adequate mental health care. Conclusions: We offer practical implications for research, policy, and practice that can help reduce barriers to mental health care for adults with IDD. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1502997 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Background: Previous research has demonstrated that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience a variety of barriers in accessing mental health care and that family caregivers often play an integral role in helping individuals with IDD navigate these systems. However, little research has focused on family caregivers' perceptions of accessing mental health services. Methods: To better understand their perspectives, we analyzed responses to an open-ended question about challenges to accessing mental health resources for adults with IDD from 208 family caregivers. Responses were analyzed using a team-based approach to qualitative data analysis. Results: We identified five themes that capture both systematic issues and personal or interpersonal challenges that reduce access to high quality mental health care among adults with IDD. In addition to the barriers, we also identified some accounts of families succeeding in accessing adequate mental health care. Conclusions: We offer practical implications for research, policy, and practice that can help reduce barriers to mental health care for adults with IDD. |
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| ISSN: | 1931-5864 1931-5872 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/19315864.2024.2424759 |
